I made this quick video this morning while I was flare training my bettas. I usually flare train at least once a day, right before feeding them, either in the morning or in the evening (whenever I have more time). It is important to flare train you bettas so that:

A) They develop their finnage to their maximum potential. In order to achieve the full "halfmoon" look, they must actively stretch the membrane between the rays.B) They can flare on command. Flaring on command is *very* important for showing. When the judge removes the card, the bettas are expected to flare and display. It is very difficult to judge a betta that is not displaying properly, and it is a severe fault if they have such poor deportment.

One thing that I forgot to mention in the video - make sure to use a flashlight and inspect your bettas closely. Judges will be shining flashlights very close to them in order to evaluate their color and form, and it is important that your bettas become used to this. This is a good time to also closely inspect your bettas for anything amiss. It doesn't take long, only a couple seconds, to do a thorough check on each betta.

With this cross, I hope that the thick caudal peduncle of the CTDT offsets the thin caudal peduncle of the RBOS female on the right. I hope that she passes on her sire's impressive webbing reduction and thick rays, and the CTDT will contribute his strong body and impressive finnage. Her caudal spread is only so-so, but one of her sisters had nearly 180 degree spread (although that one's topline was much worse). It is clear that the female carries red-loss, as she became a true grizzle by the time convention rolled around. It will be interesting to cross this male to the right side of the genealogical chart, and see how the influence of the foundation male plays out when the two branches are crossed to the same male. This male is so excellent and so close to my goals that I plan to use him at least one more time.

To zoom on genealogical chart (so you can read it!) - Click on the picture to go to my photobucket page, where you can magnify it using the small magnifying glass in the bottom-right corner of the picture (TWICE).